Venue Entry Requirements and Guidelines at Siddha Yoga Venues
A Siddha Yoga Ashram or venue is a sanctuary imbued with the divine grace and love of the Gurus of the Siddha Yoga lineage. Gurumayi Chidvilasananda is the contemporary spiritual head of the Siddha Yoga path. Seekers come to the Ashram or venue to engage in the core Siddha Yoga practices.
Siddha Yoga Australia Venue Entry Requirements
Child Protection & Safety
* The Siddha Yoga Foundation is a child-safe organisation. Every person shares in the responsibility of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, protecting them from harm, and respecting cultural differences.
* All minors (i.e. those under the age of 18) must be supervised by a parent or guardian while visiting a Siddha Yoga Ashram or venue. Supervision requirements in Ashrams vary by age – see here for more information.
Health and wellbeing
* Only attend a Siddha Yoga Ashram or venue when in good health and free from infectious disease.
* If you become unwell or are injured onsite, please notify a manager, host or seva supervisor immediately.
Drug, alcohol and illicit drugs
* Smoking or the consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs are not permitted in Siddha Yoga Ashrams, grounds and other venues. People under the influence of alcohol &/or illicit drugs are not permitted.
Intellectual Property
* Photography, video &/or audio recordings are not permitted anywhere on Ashram premises or grounds or during a Siddha Yoga event held at an external venue such as a CMG host’s private residence unless authorised by management.
Siddha Yoga Australia Venue Entry Guidelines
Personal Conduct
* While visiting a Siddha Yoga venue do so with care, self-awareness, and personal responsibility, refraining from behaviour that may disrupt the atmosphere of safety, respect and harmony.
* Treat all with respect and kindness through your thoughts, words and actions.
* Speak quietly and walk gently, remaining silent in the halls and meditation areas.
* Focus attention on the Siddha Yoga teachings and the seva you offer.
* When offering seva, follow your supervisor's instructions, and uphold all health and safety requirements to protect the people and environment around you.
* Conduct yourself with dignity and restraint and refrain from romantic gestures.
* Refrain from using mobile phones, tablets, laptops (except for seva purposes) etc.; keep phones & smart watches turned off or on silent.
* Refrain from engaging in discussion which others may find provocative or disruptive, e.g. politics or promoting personal business.
Dress Guidelines
* Dress modestly, respectfully and in clean clothes.
o Avoid shorts, skirts above the knee, sleeveless shirts as well as sheer & revealing clothing.
o If wearing leggings or ‘active wear’, wear a long top that comes to the thighs.
o Refrain from wearing clothing with political or ideological branding.
* Shoes should not be worn in the meditation spaces.
* Shoes must be worn when in the toilets.
* Refrain from using strong perfumes, aftershaves, etc. in consideration of others with sensitivities.
In the Siddha Yoga tradition:
* Only lacto-vegetarian food is permitted in Siddha Yoga Ashrams and grounds as well as venues where food is provided.
* Spiritual books and chanting sheets are not to be placed on the floor and should not be touched with your feet.
* It is considered disrespectful to extend one’s feet towards the Guru or the Guru’s chair, a photo of the Guru or towards sacred objects.
Updated September 2025